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Residents propose 'Right to Play' local policy to bar discriminatory leagues from county fields
Summary
Multiple public commenters urged Tompkins County to adopt a 'Right to Play' policy that would prevent organizations that discriminate on identity from renting county 4f facilities, arguing the change would protect transgender and girls' participation in youth sports.
Three speakers described a proposed 'Right to Play' policy that would make it harder for organizations that discriminate on identity to reserve county 4f facilities such as parks and recreation fields.
"If an organization discriminates based on identity, they can't rent the field," said Marshall Long, who described work on a draft bill that would prevent discriminatory organizations from using public recreational spaces. Other commenters noted state protections already limit discrimination in access to public parks and urged the county to take action to ensure local recreational leagues remain inclusive of transgender athletes and girls who lack equal opportunities.
Legislators acknowledged the proposal and said it could be discussed in the appropriate committee; no formal legislative action was taken during the meeting.
